And as any good host or hostess knows, the ambiance and setting are almost as important as the food when it comes to putting on a great event.

Maybe you are looking for some everyday cookware, or perhaps you want something a little more special to spice up and show off your culinary skills.

From simple white dinner sets to more ornate plates, jugs and dishes, Fishbowl in Coleraine can answer your kitchen needs.

Featuring a wide range of exciting new lines of glassware, dinnerware, pots, pans and utensils, there is more than enough choice for all the budding Jamie Olivers out there.

In fact, the shop stocks the likes of LSA, one of Europe's leading brands of contemporary handmade glass and high quality porcelain, and Maxwell & Williams, the go-to brand for affordable quality in designer homeware.

You can never go wrong with white dishes - they're beautiful, classic, and versatile. They make a great base set, and you can always accent with colourful bowls or mugs. This stylish 24cm dinner, lunch and breakfast plate from LSA is perfect for any occasion, whether sitting on your knee in front of the television or serving up cordon bleu cuisine at a dinner party.

Artisan Acacia Boards £15.95

Add some natural beauty to your table with the Artisan range of boards. Made from beautiful acacia wood, this board retains the natural grain and colour of the timber, ranging from rich earth tones to golden honey hues. With care, it will last a lifetime and will gain its own characteristics as it ages. It is perfect for entertaining in style.

Jug £32 Mug £5.95 Side Plate £5.95

The new Marigold range from Christopher Vine is decorated with a sweet floral design, reminiscent of a garden in bloom. Each piece features contrasting patterns on the interior and exterior surfaces for added impact, and a subtle border gives bright definition to the bronze and copper rims and handles.

Marigold's simple pallet and stylised motif makes this range both charming and contemporary - a beautiful addition to any home.

Jug £32 Mug £5.95 Side Plate £5.95

Christopher Vine's Avalon design is a reflection of the past - notably the late 1960s and 1970s, where pattern and print made up a big part of fashion and home decor. These clear bold designs from Maxwell & Williams are reminiscent of modern day classics and will bring a contemporary focal point to your tabletop.

They are made from prestige porcelain and are microwave and dishwasher safe.

Jug £32 Mug £5.95 Small Bowl £7.95 Large Bowl £10.95 Side Plate £5.95

Maxwell & Williams bring a little carnival flair to the table with Christopher Vine’s Gypsy range. The floral design has a playful hand-drawn feel and cleverly blends with many other designs. The pattern is repeated in soft grey across the internal surface, creating a striking contrast with the bright borders and rims. This versatile range includes plates, bowls, mugs and a striking jug.

Maxwell & Williams prices from £4.95

White doesn’t have to be boring. This fresh and contemporary classic white design spans both the tabletop and the kitchen with a comprehensive dinnerware and bakeware range featuring a subtle linear texture.

Made from fine porcelain, it is perfect for everyday cooking and dining but wouldn’t look out of place when you’re trying to impress either.

If you want your dinner set to last, then going for a neutral colour like white means less hassle and expense if you decide to change the colour scheme of your kitchen or dining room. This LSA bowl and salad server is ideal for everyday use or can be brought out when visitors are over.

If you want to serve up an exotic meal, these white noodle bowls designed and manufactured by LSA are just what you’re looking for.

Simple yet elegant, they allow the food to speak for itself, but they are a more authentic dish than a standard bowl.

LSA Plate £8 Noodle Bowl set of 4 £20

LSA Jam Jars & Straws sets £13.95

These glasses and drink dispensers should be the first choice for anyone planning a get together this summer.

All you need is some bunting, a few lanterns and fresh homemade lemonade to fill the glassware and you will be right on trend when it comes to creating a chilled out summer party.